We have come to the last stretch of the year — that quiet, strange moment after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and before a new year begins again. Will you know what day it is? No. Will it be productive? Maybe. Will you put on your pyjamas all day? Your secret is safe with me.
Being a parent here in the Netherlands tied to school holidays, I have come to enjoy this week. It is when I look back and take stock of my year. And when I do that, I am usually surprised, and say, “Oh, what a year!”
As it turns out, this year has been one of ‘coming back’ — to see my folks in the Philippines, to writing and blogging — and ‘coming out’ as I share more of and own my narrative from bullying to belonging. It has been one of intentional growth and meaningful milestones.
And none of it would have been possible without the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with, almost worked with, collaborate with, or simply share ideas with. Thank you for being part of the Good Comms journey!
2024 by the numbers
It’s been a whirlwind of a year, and I’m so grateful for the moments that shaped it.
- 11 communication strategies developed on topics such as community/member/volunteer engagement, STEM, BDEI, inclusive communication and leadership. Check out my portfolio for more.
- 20 trains hopped on during our European train travel this summer covering 5 countries and 14 places with my belonging home team
- 21 days of Philippine travel: I saw my Filipino folks again this year, after 5 years (because, well, if you’ve forgotten, Covid-19 happened)!
- 22 books read both for business and pleasure: some of them are below
- 31 people trained on team strategy, goal-setting, and BDEI using the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology. Read about some of the workshops here.
- 92+ hours of volunteering as reading and Dutch as 2nd language coach and as IABC EMENA Board Director where I also took over the IABC EMENA podcast, diving into storytelling and leadership on a new platform. Listen to my first podcast episode here.
- 110+ participants/listeners prompted as I gave talks on workplace belonging, inclusive communication and leadership via workshops, webinars and as a podcast guest. Check out the belonging self-check activity here.
- 180+ learning hours logged to complete professional courses on business and social justice, sustainability communication strategies, government communication, and earned my certification as a LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator. I also brushed up on my Spanish language skills.
- 40,000+ words blogging for 52 Weeks of BDEI, sharing ideas and tools to drive positive change. It was also some kind of exploration for me to deepen my knowledge in this area. This resulted to the development of the ALLIES framework for inclusive communication.
- 60,000+ words written as I completed 2 book manuscripts: one co-written and one solo, both exploring themes of belonging and inclusion.
What's next?
Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more exciting developments:
- Good Comms podcast: Launching in January, this podcast will shine a light on changemakers driving inclusion and belonging. If you’d like to become a guest, send me a note!
- Visioning workshops: I’m launching online LEGO® Serious Play® workshops to help you set inspiring goals. Spaces are limited so make sure to sign up in time.
- Book pre-order: My first solo book, on workplace belonging, will be available for pre-order soon. Sign up for the Good Comms newsletter to be the first to know!
- A new project begins, and I can’t wait to share more about it soon.
- The Good Comms newsletter will be published monthly, every last Tuesday of the month.
My top reads this year
Quote of the year
“If you want power to be used for good, more good people need to have power.”
– Jeffrey Pfeffer, 7 Rules of Power
Let's stay connected
I’d love to stay connected and keep you in the loop on all these exciting updates.
If you’d like to receive more insights, updates, and resources on belonging, inclusive leadership, and social impact communication, I’d be thrilled if you subscribed to my newsletter.
For now, I wish you a relaxing year-end and an incredible year ahead!
